Tet- A Unique Vietnam's Celebration

Vietnamese Tet, a vibrant celebration in Vietnamese culture, occurs during the first week of the new year according to the Lunar Calendar, typically aligning with the Lunar New Year. While many foreigners may mistakenly refer to Tet as the Chinese New Year, the Vietnamese hold the term Tet close to their hearts and pride themselves on its distinct cultural significance.

Tet coincides with the Lunar New Year celebrated in several countries, such as Japan, Korea, Mongolia, and Bhutan. However, it is much more than just a holiday; it is a cherished time for families and friends to reunite, share experiences, and enjoy each other's company. The essence of Tet lies in its ability to bring people together, fostering a sense of companionship and warmth.

Though there are similarities between the way Vietnamese and Chinese people celebrate the Lunar New Year, Tet retains a unique cultural identity that resonates deeply within the souls of the Vietnamese population, marking a strong sense of national pride.

Special Cuisines for Tet Celebration

In Vietnamese culture, the phrase "An Tet" (meaning "to eat Tet") is commonly heard, indicating the central role of food during this festive season. Traditional dishes like Banh Chung and Banh Tet serve as symbols of Tet and are unique to the Vietnamese New Year celebrations.

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Banh Chung, made from glutinous rice filled with seasoned pork, and Banh Tet, which varies by region, embody the spirit of togetherness during reunion meals. The preparation of these traditional cakes is often a communal activity, sparking rich conversations and strengthening bonds among family members.

Additionally, there are numerous other unique dishes in Vietnamese cuisine such as Chan gio ninh mang (Pork leg stewed with bamboo shoots), Xoi (sticky rice), and Boiled Chicken, which are integral to the Tet holiday and contribute to the distinctive Vietnamese flair of the celebrations.

For more information, read about what Vietnamese people enjoy during Tet.

Unique Atmosphere

Another aspect that distinguishes Tet from New Year celebrations in other nations is its unique atmosphere. The vibrancy of Tet can only truly be understood by experiencing it firsthand. During Tet, you can see women clad in colorful Ao Dai dresses filling the streets, marking this occasion as a time of joyful celebration.

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People exchange best wishes in Vietnamese, such as “Van su tot lanh” (Wishing you all the best) and “An khang thinh vuong” (Wishing you happiness and prosperity). The streets reverberate with lively Vietnamese songs, enhancing the festive spirit of the season.

Calligraphy for Tet Holiday

From bustling cities to serene countrysides, the vibrant red decorations that symbolize luck and prosperity are omnipresent, while flowers bloom as spring graces the country. Families adorn their homes with traditional ornament trees like peach blossoms or apricot flowers. Even in Vietnamese communities located in the United States, Canada, or Australia, the essence of Tet stands out distinctly from typical celebrations found in Chinatowns around the world.

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A core element of Vietnamese Tet is its emphasis on family reunions and honoring elders. In Southern Vietnam, the first day of Tet is devoted to paternal relatives, the second day focuses on maternal relatives, and the third day is dedicated to honoring teachers and friends. In Northern Vietnam, families typically spend the first two days visiting close relatives, and many return to their ancestral villages.

Tet is, and will always be, a sacred time for Vietnamese people to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the coming one, emphasizing the importance of family and friendship above all else. If you visit Vietnam during this celebration, you will undoubtedly witness its vibrancy and significance.